Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday set out the requirements for Moscow to start peace talks with Ukraine, more than two years after the Kremlin’s full-fledged invasion of its neighbor. According to a Google-translated Telegram update from Russian state news outlet Tass, the terms include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which Russia illegally annexed within months of commencing hostilities, in...

Donald Trump got his 78th birthday present a day early — a handshake from his longtime bitter critic, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, encapsulating the Republican Party’s complete submission to its presumptive presidential nominee. The twice-impeached 45th president and newly convicted criminal was back on Capitol Hill Thursday for the first time since his supporters beat up police officers and smashed their way through the US Capitol on January 6, 2021...

Tesla shareholders have backed a record-breaking pay package for boss Elon Musk and approved a plan to move the firm's legal headquarters to Texas. The deal was blocked earlier this year by a judge in Delaware over concerns it was unfair to shareholders. The vote is a victory for the multi-billionaire, who had campaigned fiercely for the payout, which is worth up to $56bn (£43.9bn). The exact amount depends on the Tesla share price. "Hot damn, I love you guys," he told a crowd of...

Border agents have encountered individuals on the federal terrorist watchlist nearly 1,700 times since President Joe Biden took office — that means those people were stopped while trying to enter the U.S. AllSides highlights content from Gigafact, a network of newsrooms that respond to online claims. View the full fact brief on Wisconsin Watch.

"They didn’t even put our name on the record”. The post Was the first recorded song by The Beatles a disappointment? first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

by Michael Snyder, The Economic Collapse Blog: If you live in a major city, you can see them all around you.  I am talking about aging vans, RVs and trailers that are parked on the side of the road for months at a time and that obviously have people living in them.  There is an […]

from ZeroHedge: After a March tweet by Elon Musk decrying the New York Times bestseller list as “pure propaganda” after the outlet was forced to admit in court that it’s not a ranked list, The Economist decided to see if there was any merit to longstanding claims of bias against conservative authors. They found, of course, that there is. TRUTH […]

from GoldSilver (w/ Mike Maloney): TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

In Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic, “Kingdom of Heaven,” King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem is depicted as a tragic yet dignified figure, his face hidden behind an ornate silver mask. While visually striking, King Baldwin’s mask is a point of historical inaccuracy. What is the truth behind Baldwin’s affliction, why the filmmakers chose this depiction, and what are its impact on the historical authenticity of the film? IMBD/ In “Kingdom of Heaven,” King Baldwin’s mask serves as a symbol of his struggle with leprosy. The mask, designed to cover his disfigured face, adds a layer of mystery and poignancy to his character. Baldwin, played by Edward Norton, wears the mask to conceal the ravages of his disease, presenting himself as a stoic and resilient leader despite his condition. This artistic choice, however, strays from historical records and has sparked discussions among historians and film enthusiasts alike. The Historical King Baldwin’s Mask The real King Baldwin IV, also known as the “Leper King,” ruled Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185. Baldwin contracted leprosy at a young age, and the disease progressively worsened throughout his reign. Despite his illness, Baldwin was known for his intelligence, leadership, and military prowess. Historical accounts, including those by his contemporaries, do not mention him wearing a mask. Instead, Baldwin’s condition was apparent, and he faced his disease openly, which was a testament to his bravery and resilience. The Talks / Ridley Scott’s decision to depict King Baldwin’s mask can be seen as a blend of artistic liberty and symbolic storytelling. The mask serves as a visual metaphor for Baldwin’s inner turmoil and the outward manifestation of his disease. It creates a powerful image that resonates with audiences, emphasizing Baldwin’s isolation and the gravity of his condition. This creative choice, while historically inaccurate, enhances the dramatic and emotional impact of the film. Why the King Baldwin’s Mask Is Inaccurate? The ‘historical inaccuracy’ of King Baldwin’s mask lies in the lack of evidence that he ever wore one. Medieval chroniclers who documented Baldwin’s life and reign made no mention of a mask. Instead, Baldwin was known to have participated in public life and military campaigns, despite his visible afflictions. The Review / By wearing a mask in the film, Baldwin is portrayed in a way that contrasts sharply with the historical reality of his openness about his condition. While “Kingdom of Heaven” strives for historical authenticity in many aspects, the inclusion of King Baldwin’s mask introduces a significant deviation. This choice affects the film’s portrayal of Baldwin’s character and the era’s understanding of leprosy. Leprosy was a stigmatized disease in medieval times, and Baldwin’s openness about his illness was a powerful statement of courage. The mask, though symbolically rich, diminishes this aspect of his legacy, presenting a less authentic version of his public persona. Public Perception and Historical Figures Films like “Kingdom of Heaven” play a crucial role in shaping public perception of historical figures. For many viewers, the cinematic portrayal becomes their primary reference. When inaccuracies like King Baldwin’s mask are introduced, they can lead to misconceptions about historical realities. It’s important for filmmakers to balance artistic expression with factual accuracy, especially when dealing with real historical figures whose lives and legacies deserve accurate representation. In the making of historical films, advisors play a crucial role in ensuring authenticity. In “Kingdom of Heaven,” the advisors may have influenced many aspects of the film. But the decision to include King Baldwin’s mask was likely driven by artistic considerations. Filmmakers must often weigh historical accuracy against narrative impact, leading to creative choices that can either enhance or detract from the story’s fidelity to history. The post Why King Baldwin’s Mask in “Kingdom of Heaven” Historically Inaccurate appeared first on Fun Facts For Days.